The Pen(s) and Paper; Free Agency

Some stay, some go. Some cash in, some "cup" in. Some get to live in the city of champions, some get to skate on ever-melting California ice.

The Pens rounded out the majority of their free agency dealings these past two days. Bill Guerin, Craig Adams, and Ruslan Fedentenko took cash cuts to stay in the Burgh, while Rob Scuderi cashed in at the peak of his career, and took a huge raise to play for L.A. at around 3 mil a year.

In the end, you can't really blame Scuderi for cashing in on a great season. He is at his peak at the moment, and if he doesn't take the money now, it's honestly not going to be there next year, and especially not the following year. Scuds did what was best for his family-he seized the opportunity to be overpaid. He had a standout season that can't be replicated. I'm sure he'll contribute a lot to the Kings next season, as they strive to become a consistent contender. And although I am sad to see him take off that pretty penguin sweater, I respect him even more for doing what might be the best thing for his family.

As for Guerin, Adams, and Fedetenko, they weren't going to be severly overpaid by another team, so they decided to take a little cut at a chance to win a cup. These guys have already proven themselves, and they're hungry for more. I, personally, am gushing with happiness that Fedetenko and Malkin will be going at it for another year. Those guys can make magic when they're side-by-side.

But don't close the curtain, Ray Shero still has some cap room to sign a replacement for Scuderi. Although he still needs to sign or promote backup soil for the Flower, look for Shero to sign a solid D-man or trade around for one. Although Scuderi is not easily replaceable, most of his duties can be filled with a solid, stay-at-home defenceman. And there are definitley still guys out there that want a run at the cup in 2010.

How 'bout that hometown discount.